Sukkos is the synthesis of the things we committed to work on during the Yamim Noraim and how the Ushpizin help us to accomplish them.

We all want to improve but what can we do and where do we even start?

Every single relationship in existence has a point which, if passed, there is no coming back from. Except for one, our relationship with Hashem.

The Torah perspective on witchcraft, astrological signs, and what it means to be "The Am Segulah."

What does the cutting of one's nails have to do with Shabbos? The deep connection may surprise you. . . 

What does it mean to truly "prepare" for Shabbos, as well as for yom shekulo shabbos?

How and why Rabbi Akiva was so unique in his world view.

In this final Shabbos segment the Mashgiach discusses what it means to "just Shabbos."

Approaching Shabbos from a different perspective can allow one to have an incredible connection with it, as well as with Hashem.

The reward for Pinchas' seemingly vicious act was the bris shalom. What does "shalom" mean and how does that even work?

Understanding Shabbos so we can take advantage of all it has to offer.

Bilam had so much potential (perhaps rivaling even that of Moshe Rabbeinu) yet he ended up being of the worst people in history.

Many of us may experience an emotional rollercoaster over Rosh Hashanah but really it should be a day of "simcha" and rejoicing.

How to raise Shabbos from merely a "time" to a "place".

Moshe hitting the rock conveyed a false message from Hashem to Klal Yisroel and that is why hitting the rock was such a grave sin.

What is the true joy/pleasure we are privy to on Shabbos?

Why does it actually matter if a disagreement is "l'shem shamayim" or not?

The Mashgiach begins a new series on Shabbos, starting with what is the great "menuchah" (rest) one experiences over Shabbos.

Rabbi Stark discusses how many times our perception of what we're seeing is totally incorrect and may be the cause of a lot of our issues and suffering.

Why nevuas Moshe Rabbeinu was utterly unique.

The Mashgiach discusses the importance of a healthy sense of self, and the dangers of an unhealthy one.

Is being a Nazir a good thing or a bad thing? The Mashgiach discusses why its not so clear and what the concept of being a Nazir represents. 

Is being a "number" a good thing or a bad thing?

Just like the child who dumps a bowl of meatballs of their face, the "schmutz" makes them cuter. So too we want Hashem to view our sins in a way which endears us to him. 

Are we being dishonest when we put honey on the Aleph Bais letters so a young child can experience the sweetness of Torah?

Rabbi Stark discusses Olam Haba and why it is never mentioned in the written Torah.

Just like the child who dumps a bowl of meatballs of their face, the "schmutz" makes them cuter. So too we want Hashem to view our sins in a way which endears us to him. 

How do we reconcile diametrically opposed opinions in the Torah and how does the fact that Torah is not "in the heavens" answer this question?

Especially in Elul, when we are all trying to strive for perfection, it is important to remember it is the journey itself which allows one to truly grow.

The Torah in this week's parsha says that the curses listed in the Tochacha will come if one fails to serve Hashem with "simcha"—what is simcha and aren't there worse sins one can do?

If you ever want to change and become great you can't wait for "greatness" to find its way to you, you need to get out there and chase it!

We all know Shiluach Hakan is a "chok" but is there any explanation which can help us understand the reasoning behind it?

Between Simchas Beis Hashoeva and the mitzvah to visit one's Rebbi over Sukkos, there seems to be a special focus on seeing the faces of tzadikim over this Yom Tov. The Mashgiach explains why.

What the Greeks failed to realize is that everything IS Torah.

The difference between the Avos and the Shevatim.

The idea of Yeshiva is not limited to a physical location but rather it is a way of life.

Yitzchak is mentioned the least of all of the avos in the Torah, but that is precisely the trait which Yitzchak embodied.

We all know what a "Yeshiva" is, but does anyone actually know what "yeshiva" means?

The difference between Chessed and Rachamim and how understanding Avraham's Chessed helps one to know Hashem.

During the long winter is precisely when one needs to understand the value of perseverance and to not quit at the first sight of disinterest.

We are all familiar with Shnayim Mikra v'Echad Targum but have we ever thought about it as a Hachana for Shabbos?

The mental gymnastics we do just do deny what others do for us.

How Yaakov differentiated himself from everyone (including the rest of the avos)

Hakaras hatov is not about the one being thanked, its about the one DOING the thanking!

Now that we understand how Yaakov is the synthesis of the middos of Avraham and Yitzchak, the questions is how does one practically apply this concept.

More than just recognizing the good, one must also realize how indebted they ought to feel.

Avraham represents chessed and Yitzchak represents din. Yaakov though is the total integration of both of these middos and how they need to be properly balanced.

We have all heard about the concept of Hakaras HaTov but do we know that is is MUCH more than merely saying thanks?

During these parshiyos, where we discuss the avos and their introduction of tefilah, the Mashgiach explains that the connection goes much deeper than you may think.

Rabbi Stark speaks about the "mehalech" and greatness of his rebbi, Rav Moshe Shapiro.